Who is in command?

[Eff Oh]

Jockflyer
Who is Dr D Harris? I'm doing a security course on monday so I'll ask then! Did ATC ask them if the flight deck was secure? Also "The reason for this I would imagine, is that its highly unlikely that the Captain has any experience of this type of thing, and would therefore not be aware of what is required to ensure a safe outcome to a potentially fatal situation." Sure is potentially fatal, so why sit on an a/c which has a bomb on it (you can not assume it does not.) This is not a rules thing, it's more of a not understanding the police's SOPs. The only way in my mind to ensure a safe outcome is to get everyone off as quickly as possible!
Bealzebub
Obviously some one like an CAA flight ops inspector etc can not be denied access. Also someone like a deportee can be stopped from leaving the a/c. I was talking about "normal" passengers, if there is such a thing, as I believe that was what Jockflyer was refering to.

[Jockflyer]

Dr Duncan Harris. He runs numerous CRM Etc courses for loads of airlines. Might not be doing yours, but I'm sure you will be told the same thing.
The very reason that you don't know, is why the police take over. Perhaps the person who planted the bomb is onboard. Unless he is a suicide bomber then, its unlikely he'll detonate it while still onboard. Maybe its easier to contain if everyone is left onboard until they can be searched before disembarking. Indeed it may be a member of the crew who is under suspicion (have you read The Pilots Wife?). I don't have all the answers, I'm just telling you what I got told.
I have faith that the Police will know what is overall best to do in this situation, therefore if I was the Captain, I would be happy to relinquish the responsibility.

[Eff Oh]

JF
I'm not having a go, it's just a debate that's all. I would suggest if a bomber was still on the a/c, he probably was a suicide bomber. In that case keeping him on the ground as the police "close in" will do no good. I don't change my view, better to get everyone off and have the police/army round everyone up(pax and crew) for questioning. What is the point on sitting on a bomb plus several tons of jet A1?
Anyway JF glad you seem to have got in with LC following your last lot.

[PPRuNe Radar]

I understand that the Ryanair guys got their knuckles wrapped because they did not advise ATC that the Flight Deck was secure (ie pilots in control, not terrorists or hijackers). That is why the Tornados were scrambled to escort them.

Would that be a guarantee that the aircraft is safe ? Just because ATC get a message from someone, whom they can't see and can't know for sure if they are the lawful commander, but who says everything is well, dosn't necessarily mean all is rosy in the garden. The authorities assess the threat based on the reported message, coupled with intelligence and information from other sources. Subsequent actions are then based on this.

Mind you, as another twist to the apparent debacle on the ground, the ground handlers weren't too happy either with the Plod. After the aircraft had been disembarked and 'searched', it was towed to the stand to unload the luggage. The handlers asked the police to confirm the holds were also secure and safe, but were told they had not been searched because 'the departure airport would have fully screened them and found any device'. Stunning logic

[Jockflyer]

If it was a suicide bomber, wouldn't he have detonated inflight. Maybe it could be someone who has planted it, to be detonated once he's off, and at a safe distance. There are so many senarios. That is why its better to leave the decisions to the police who are specially trained for this sort of thing.
BTW Eff Oh, I remember your encouragement last year, thanks.
JF